Physical Therapist Assistant School Programs

Physical therapist assistants evaluate and treat disorders of the human body resulting from injury, disease, or other causes. The work of PTAs is always performed under the supervision and guidance of licensed physical therapists, and focuses on providing treatments designed to alleviate pain and improve physical function.

Choosing a Physical Therapist Assistant Degree Program

Physical Therapist Assistant programs are two-year (5 semesters) Associate of Science (AS) programs offered through community colleges, technical schools, and traditional universities and colleges. As you consider your options for physical therapist assistant schools, you will find that programs are widely available.

In fact, as of the 2014/15 academic year, there were 333 physical therapist assistant programs in the U.S. accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). CAPTE accreditation is crucial when choosing a physical therapist assistant program because it is the only accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education to accredit entry-level physical therapy programs.

In other words, you must complete a CAPTE-approved program to become state licensed to practice as a physical therapist assistant. You can be sure that you possess the knowledge, skills, and behaviors necessary to take the national licensing examination and enter the physical therapist assistant profession if you complete a CAPTE-approved program.

Admission requirements for physical therapist assistant associate degree programs vary. However, many schools require incoming students to possess the following:

It is important to earn a competitive GPA in your prerequisite classes, which you must complete before you apply for admission and complete the technical phase of the program. Most schools give preference to students with higher prerequisite grades.

Typical prerequisite courses include:

Biology (usually cell biology)

Math (usually algebra-based)

Chemistry or physics

The core content of a physical therapist assistant program generally includes the following courses:

Anatomy and physiology

Behavioral sciences

Biomechanics

Clinical pathology

Communications

Exercise physiology

Kinesiology

Neuroscience

Professional ethics

Elective courses provide you with the opportunity to explore subspecialties within the field of physical therapy. Your elective coursework may allow you to focus on one or more of the following types of physical therapy:

Aquatic

Geriatric

Musculoskeletal

Cardiovascular/pulmonary

Oncology

Acute care

Pediatric

Classroom study makes up about 75 percent of a physical therapist assistant program’s curriculum, while clinical experiences make up the remaining 25 percent. You can expect to spend about 16 weeks completing the program’s clinical education experiences in settings like: